Golkar and PKB Address Allegations Linking Members to Doctor Icha's Death

Golkar and PKB have addressed the case of the death of Dr Eliza Princila Utami Pakaenoni, affectionately known as Doctor Icha, in Timor Tengah Utara (TTU), which has been linked to two regional parliament (DPRD) members, Therensius Lazakar and Norbertus Tubani. Both parties stated they will investigate the case and take firm action if violations are found. “Our message to all public officials, especially those from Golkar, is ‘ojo dumeh’. Do not abuse your position to behave inappropriately, including intimidating those in a subordinate position,” Sarmuji told reporters on Sunday. Sarmuji said Golkar DPRD member Therensius will be summoned by the party’s Provincial Regional Leadership Council (DPD). The party will discipline the member if a violation is found. “Regarding DPRD members who behave badly, we ask the Provincial DPD to summon and discipline them. For this case, we will ask the Provincial DPD to investigate,” he said. Additionally, PKB Deputy Chairman Jazilul Fawaid responded to the involvement of PKB DPRD member Norbertus Tubani in the death of Doctor Icha. The party will take firm action against any cadre who breaks the law. “I have not yet received a report and do not know the exact details of the incident, but if there is a PKB cadre who violates the law, ethics, and causes chaos, we will certainly take firm action,” said Jazilul. Jazilul also addressed the statement by the Regent of Timor Tengah Utara, Yosep Falentinus Delasalle Kebo, who mentioned that DPRD members often cause chaos due to the influence of alcohol during recess periods. Yosep stated that the case of Doctor Icha has lifted the veil on the behaviour of the relevant DPRD members. “There is no tolerance for members who tarnish the good name of the party,” said Jazilul. He mentioned that the party could issue a reprimand, a stern warning, or even dismissal against the member involved. The party is waiting for strong evidence in the case of Doctor Icha’s death. “These actions range from reprimands, warnings, to dismissal if there is a report and convincing evidence,” he said. Previously, the Regent of Timor Tengah Utara, Yosep, spoke out about the case of Doctor Icha’s death. He highlighted the existence of TTU DPRD members who frequently cause chaos due to the influence of alcohol during recess. “The incident with Dr Icha has lifted the veil that was tightly closed all this time,” said Yosep. “The individuals who often, when conducting recess, both before and after, cause chaos due to the influence of alcohol,” he continued. Doctor Icha was pronounced dead on Friday. Icha was suspected of suffering from severe depression, allegedly due to intimidation by TTU DPRD members, leading her to decide to end her life by hanging. Icha was allegedly intimidated while on duty at the Emergency Department of Leona Kefamenanu Hospital, TTU, East Nusa Tenggara. At the time, Icha was treating a child patient who was a victim of a green snake bite. Two men claiming to be TTU DPRD members then arrived at the emergency department. They reportedly spoke in a loud tone to Icha. The two men are known to be TTU DPRD members Therensius Lazakar and Norbertus Tubani. The patient was reportedly Therensius’s nephew.